BEVERLEY DIANE VILLANUEVA

With great sadness, we share the news that Bev peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 10, 2024. She was surrounded by her family, who made sure that she knew how much she was loved, right to the very end.

Bev was born on April 28, 1967 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Stanley and Helen Kork. Bev’s education began at Sigfusson Nursery School, where her very first friendships were made, some of which lasted for the rest of her life. She went on to attend Athlone Elementary, Bruce Middle School, and Sturgeon Creek Collegiate. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 1992.

In September 2004, Bev married Vincent Villanueva and they remained devoted to each other as husband and wife for 19 years – one month shy of their wedding anniversary. Bev gave birth to Sophie Veronica in 2005 and Alexander Vincent in 2008. She was a devoted and loving mother right from day one and she was so happy when they started their educational paths at Sigfusson Nursery, just as she had. Family was Bev’s number one priority and she took care of all of us for the rest of her life. Her wonderful meals, her doting on us, rides for the kids and their friends… she showed time and time again how much she cared and loved us.

Beyond her family, Bev was such a friendly and generous person, so it is no surprise that she made so many enduring friendships. Bev could always be counted on to help out in any way needed and she routinely went above and beyond. She was notorious for her banana bread, gifting it to so many: friends, her children’s teachers, colleagues, and neighbours. Bev also loved spending time visiting and talking, sometimes enjoying a little bit of gossip, responding to an especially juicy tidbit with “Get out!” Bev had a way of making you feel special and that she cared for you, no matter how you met or what the connection was. In the days since her passing, this has been evident in the number of texts, messages, posts, and phone calls. Bev is an example to all of us how to treat people kindly and with love, because that’s what people left behind will always remember.

Bev had a proud and dignified career of over thirty years, caring for people with intellectual and developmental challenges. It is no exaggeration to say that the lives of hundreds of people were made better by Bev’s caring, dedication, and professionalism. She treated the people she served with the utmost care, from their first day entering a group home, to the day of their passing, and anything in between. Her colleagues and staff she supervised quickly became endeared to Bev, with many connections and friendships long outlasting any time together at work.

Bev was predeceased by her father, Stanley, in 1990, her mother, Helen, in 2000, and her brother, Dennis, in 2022. Bev’s dearest and beloved canine companion, Abby, predeceased her in 2011, and anyone who knew Bev will know that there is peace knowing that they are reunited once again.

Bev will be loved and remembered forever by her close family: husband Vincent; daughter Sophie; son Alex; sister-in-law Judi; nieces, Chelsea (Neil) and Rachel (Blair); and nephew Graeme (Paige). Extended family and her countless friends, we know, will also cherish her memory forever.

We need to especially recognize Bev’s sister-in-law Judi, a devoted family member who knew and loved her for fifty years. When Bev started having health challenges, Judi immediately stepped up. Judi took Bev to so many medical appointments, picked up supplies and medications, and did whatever was needed, whether in the middle of the day or night. We truly do not know how we would have managed everything without her care and support.

We would also be remiss if we did not recognize the care Bev received at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. From the doctors, to nurses, to support staff… Bev was treated with dignity and respect throughout. We wanted Bev to be as comfortable as possible until her last day, and they worked hard to ensure just that. We also wanted to thank Andre from Spiritual Health, who was such a support to our family. It is inspiring to know that there are people like this working in our hospitals.

Four-legged companions and persons facing developmental or mental health challenges were very special to Bev. If anyone is so inclined to make a donation in her memory, we would suggest the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter or Turning Leaf Support Services.

A celebration of life is being planned for family and close friends in September.

Rest in peace, Bev. 

You made such a difference during your 

lifetime and we will never forget you.

Vichnaya Pamyat.

Bev’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​